THE BBC'S new director general was educated at a top Ribble Valley school, it emerged today.
Mark Thompson, who is leaving Channel Four to take over running the BBC, attended Stonyhurst College in Hurst Green between 1970 and 1975, staff said.
From there, he went on to Merton College in Oxford.
And staff say he has never forgotten his roots, returning to the college in 2001 to speak to current pupils and parents at an awards evening.
Adrian Aylward, headmaster of Stonyhurst College, said: "We are delighted at the news of Mark's appointment.
"It is always good to see former pupils reach the pinnacle of their chosen profession."
Currently the chief executive of Channel 4, Mr Thompson, 46, previously worked at the BBC for more than 20 years.
In 2000, he became the director of television, responsible for the running of all BBC network television channels.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article